Obituary: Newell Skeie

Newell Skeie, 82, of Granite Falls, died peacefully Saturday, May 5, 2012 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer, in the loving presence of his family and friends. Memorial services were held on Friday, May 11 at Granite Falls Lutheran Church....

By Staff reports

Granite Falls Advocate Tribune

By Staff reports

Posted May. 17, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 17, 2012 at 4:13 PM

By Staff reports

Posted May. 17, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 17, 2012 at 4:13 PM

Newell Skeie, 82, of Granite Falls, died peacefully Saturday, May 5, 2012 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer, in the loving presence of his family and friends.

Memorial services were held on Friday, May 11 at Granite Falls Lutheran Church.

Newell Berkley ‘Teak’ Skeie was born on November 23, 1929, in Montevideo, the son of Newell G. and Clara B. (Nash) Skeie. He was baptized on February 16, 1930 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo. His family moved to Granite Falls, where he was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Granite Falls Lutheran Church.

From the age of 11, Teak spent his summers visiting and working on the Kvistero farms south of Granite Falls. He graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1947 and worked in Willmar at Habicht’s Clothing Store. On December 2, 1950, Teak was united in marriage to Eunice Lund at Saron Lutheran Church in rural Maynard. They resided in Willmar until 1951. Teak was employed by several power line contractors as a lineman until 1953, when he began work with Northern States Power Company. This he did until 1963 when he transferred into the NSP Power Plant in Granite Falls, working as a Dispatcher Operator and Plant Electrician until his retirement in 1987. Teak was a man of great faith and lived his life accordingly. He was a faithful member of Granite Falls Lutheran Church, where he sang in the church choir, ushered, served on the church council and organized Bible school recreation. He enjoyed participating in Bible studies and also sang in the Montevideo, Milan and Appleton chorus groups. Teak enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, reading, playing the guitar and singing. He loved spending time with his family and friends.